December 29, 2013: Holy Family
Readings- Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 God sets parents over their children. Honor your parents: atone for sins, preserve yourself, store up riches, have your prayers heard, and live long. Take care of your father; your kindness won't be forgotten.
- Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 "Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways." You'll eat the fruit of your handiwork; your wife shall be like a fruitful vine and your children like olive plants around your table.
- Col 3:12-21 [quintessential "dress your life" reading]: Put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with and forgive one another. Put on love, and let Christ's peace control you. Teach one another, singing with gratitude to God. Do everything in Jesus' name, giving God thanks through him. Wives, be subordinate to your husbands; husbands, love your wives and don't provoke your children; children, obey your parents.
- Mt 2:13-15, 19-23 Angel to Joseph: “Flee to Egypt; Herod wants to destroy your child.” They departed. When Herod died, angel told Joseph: “Go to Israel; those who sought the child’s life are dead.” They went, but when he heard Herod's son was ruling, he was afraid, departed for Galilee, and went to Nazareth.
- Angelus: Joseph, Mary and Jesus lived as refugees, with fear, uncertainty and difficulties; Jesus was part of such a family so we may feel God's loving closeness. Today's refugees face the same hardships, are unappreciated, and seek dignity. Think of the rejected and exploited, and those marginalized in their own families, e.g. elderly treated as burdens. The flight to Egypt shows God is there where we're in danger, suffering, or rejected—as well as in our dreams and hopes. Build family peace, joy, love, reconciliation, and tenderness; use key words May I?, Thank you, and Sorry. Pray for families and for the upcoming synod on the family.
- Prayer to the Holy Family, for synod on family and for consistory; excerpts: In you we contemplate true love; to you we turn. May our families be places of communion and prayer, schools of the Gospel, and domestic Churches. May families never experience violence, rejection, and division: May all who have been hurt find healing. May the Synod of Bishops make us mindful of the family's sacredness and beauty.
- Creighton: Jesus grew up in a family, shaped by his parents. In family we learn to live together despite differences; we need compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and mutual forgiveness. The Holy Family fled to a country, language, and customs they didn't know. In tragedy we want to hold onto each other; family is about belonging and fidelity, not perfection. Be faithful in daily life; it's all sacred.
- RC.net: Joseph is a man of God, a man of obedience, service, prayer, God's word, faith, and action. God has a plan for each of us and gives grace and guidance. Am I willing to sacrifice my plans for God's?
- Universalis: St. Thomas Becket, Chancellor of England, Archbishop of Canterbury, convert, martyr. The King appoints trusted Thomas to office, expecting loyalty. When Thomas follows his conscience and upholds truth, the king feels betrayed and kills him. (This applies both to Henry II / Thomas Becket and Henry VIII / Thomas More.)
- "Vine" pin: your wife will be like a fruitful vine (psalm)
- "Hearts" suspenders: put on love; love your wives; grateful hearts (2nd reading)
- "Peace sign" tie bar: let Christ's peace control you (2nd reading)
- "Owl" tie pin: teach each other in wisdom (2nd reading)
- Piano tie pin: sing spiritual songs (2nd reading)
- Angel on suspenders: angel speaking to Joseph (gospel)
- "I love my dad" tie: Holy Family
- Christmas pin: season
Special blessings to and prayers for our Holy Family parish and school communities in Artesia, Glendale, South Pasadena, and Wilmington!
Dress your life!
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